Other NFL players join Colin Kaepernick in protests during national anthem
Sep 1, 2016, 7:26 PM | Updated: 9:18 pm
Here is #49ers QB Colin Kaepernick tonight during the national anthem in San Diego. Kneeling. pic.twitter.com/QYEVkb7DcV
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 2, 2016
It was expected San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick didn’t stand for the national anthem on Thursday night.
It wasn’t surprising that as he entered Qualcomm Stadium to face the San Diego Chargers, a chorus of boos rang out on a “Salute the Military” themed evening.
But no matter how his protest during the national anthem is viewed, he is certainly gaining attention. And he is also garnering support from fellow football players. Teammate Eric Reid kneeled next to Kaepernick during the Star Spangled Banner on Thursday before the 49ers faced the Chargers.
#49ers S Eric Reid, not in uniform, kneeled next to Colin Kaepenrick during the national anthem. They hugged after it was over.
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) September 2, 2016
In Oakland, Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane likewise sat during the national anthem.
This is an @AP_NFL picture of #Seahawks CB Jeremy Lane sitting in protest during the national anthem tonight pic.twitter.com/AKOltqYJrt
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 2, 2016
If anything, it appears the controversy around Kaepernick won’t go away anytime soon with more players joining his protest. Before the game, Kaepernick was booed while taking the field.
Colin Kaepernick is booed as he takes the field for warmups in San Diego. pic.twitter.com/n2maH6pn29
— USA TODAY Sports (@USATODAYsports) September 2, 2016
The protest has spurred civil discussion, however. Kaepernick met with former football player and Green Beret Nate Boyer before the game. Boyer had written a piece in the Army Times about being open to Kaepernick’s protest even if he was at first angered.
Boyer said the two had a good talk before the game and he stood next to the kneeling Kaepernick on the sideline during the anthem.
Thanks for the invite brother… Good talk. Let's just keep moving forward. This is what America should be all about pic.twitter.com/LgjPpjk173
— Nate Boyer (@NateBoyer37) September 2, 2016
Former Green Beret @NateBoyer37 standing next to Colin @Kaepernick7 during anthem at @chargers game #SFvsSD pic.twitter.com/Dj4tthKXZ8
— Chris Law (@ChrisLaw) September 2, 2016
